Proof Positive:Women in Science and Technology

Poster Exhibition

Residence of the German Consul General

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

November 2015

This project was a collaboration between:

Welcome Notes

Dear Gentlemen, dear ladies, dear visitors of the

exposition, dear readers of this brochure,

In Germany, and not only in Germany, many

supporters of gender equality and the empower-

ment of women favor an enforced quota for

certain bodies in the political and economic

spheres, encouraging the participation of women in

all areas and strata of society on an equal footing

with men. It is, of course, even more impressive when

women establish themselves in their fields of expertise through their own efforts and

the recognition of their peers, at times under truly adverse conditions - well before

any discussions about enforced gender quotas or inhibitive “glass ceilings”.

The posters which are on display today are only a small selection of all the examples

through the ages and among very different cultures, which prove that competent

women can find their way in any society, regardless of their area of interest. It may

not be easy, it may require several attempts, detours, compromises and it certainly

needs conviction and many times – a conscious decision for or against one of many

meritorious alternatives.

I would like to encourage all young women (and all young men!) to make a

conscious decision about their objectives in life and to review them every once in

a while. It is a good thing to have encouraging examples from whom to draw

inspiration when the going gets tough. It is even more important to know what you

want. Then – go for it and fulfill your dreams!

H.E. Mrs. Annette Klein

German Consul General

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I welcome this collection of Arab and Muslim

women in science and technology as their

contribution significantly added to the develop-

ment of the world as we know it today.

The collaboration of Dar Al-Hekma University with

the Robert Bosch Foundation back in April 2015 is a

testament to the Graphic Design students’ skills and

talents to pull off such an exhibition which serves as

a great reminder of women’s achievements in the

past. We are all pleased with the outcome and very proud of our students for

choosing some great personalities.

I would also like to thank the Visual Communication Department for their constant

efforts to instill excellence and enthusiasm in our students and encouraging them to

always think outside the box in order to become creative and innovative designers.

I hope this catalog will serve as an inspiration to every woman as well as man as

it demonstrates historical female role models who ventured into science and

technology which are, until this day perceived as male territories.

When reading through this I want our female readers to believe that they too can

achieve greatness and make history!

Enjoy the fascinating work of our wonderful students.

Suhair H. Al Qurashi, Ph.D.

President, Dar Al-Hekma University

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For more than 30 years there have been various

projects and initiatives in Germany to increase the

number of women in natural sciences and

technology – and until today this is necessary, we

still have only ca. 30 % female students in these fields.

Traditionally and historically, these fields are

predominantly developed, formed and occupied

by men, they are lucky to have a lot of male role

models.

We know from the past, however, that role models have a great effect. This is why

I created a poster exhibition for the University of Applied Sciences Lübeck which

presents the paths and biographies of 23 women who excelled with their research

in the scientific and technological sectors, although the access to higher education

was often difficult or even officially refused to them at the time.

My primary objective was to present female role models in order to draw more young

girls and women to the areas of mathematics, computer sciences, natural sciences

and technology (in German we use the acronym MINT for these fields of study).

Compared to Germany, there are a lot more young women in Saudi Arabia

choosing to study sciences and technology – choosing these fields of study is no

big deal for them as science and technology are not specifically labelled as “male

subjects” and they study with a lot of fervor and enthusiasm. This is why they can be

seen as role models for young German female students!

The current poster exhibition from Lübeck does not at all see itself as final or

complete. Up to now, women from other cultures have been missing. It is an

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important goal for us to extend the list of famous and well-known women in science

and technology by expanding the poster exhibition.

In this regard the poster exhibition from Dar Al-Hekma University presents an

impressive number of Arab and Muslim women who were and are active in the field

of science and technology and I am immensely proud and glad to be a part of the

common project presenting some of these women in this brochure!

I am also very much looking forward to showing the joint exhibition with the posters

of famous European, Arab and Muslim women in science and technology at the

University of Applied Sciences in Lübeck.

I hope you enjoy reading this brochure.

Katrin Molge

Member of the Executive Committee

Equal Opportunity Officer

University of Applied Sciences in Lübeck

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Working on this project was a rich educational

experience for both my students and me, this

project was a great opportunity to gain more

knowledge about female Muslim achievers.

Ms. Ola Nassief, Lecturer

Visual Communication, Dar Al-Hekma University

Dar Al-Hekma students in “Art of the Poster” and

“Introduction to Illustration” classes were given the

opportunity to create posters and magazine covers

featuring Muslim women in science and tech-

nology. They researched and chose women

whose contributions have had a significant impact

on society. As their professor, I enjoyed seeing the

creative approaches and techniques they used to

illustrate their concepts. We are pleased to be part

of this exhibition.

Ms. Sylvia Shapiro, Assistant Professor

Visual Communication, Dar Al-Hekma University

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Proof Positive:Women in Science and Technology

Poster Exhibition

GERMAN WOMEN

Emmy NoetherDeveloper of Modern Algebra

Some terms and vocabulary of physical

and mathematical technical literature are

named after her work (Noether modules,

Noetherrings). Emmy Noether primarily

dedicated herself to the development of

modern algebra.

It is thanks to her ground work that algebra

became a prominent world-wide research

topic in mathematics.

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GERMAN WOMEN

Karoline Herschel Astronomer and Discoverer of 8 Comets

Karoline Herschel was the first woman to

discover a comet and has received many

honors for her scientific achievements as

an astronomer.

She received a gold medal from the

Astronomical Society of London and was an

honorary member. She has the distinction to

have written a supplementary catalogue to

Flamsteed’s Atlas of stars.

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GERMAN WOMEN

Lise Meitner The German Marie Curie

Lise Meitner contributed significantly to the

discovery of nuclear fission. She is interna-

tionally recognized for her investigation of

alpha-, beta- and gamma-radiation and

their core processes.

In addition, she is the discoverer of element

91 (protactinium) on the periodic table of

elements.

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GERMAN WOMEN

Margarete Schutte-LihotzkyPioneer in Social Housing and

Resistance Fighter

She is the developer of the Frankfurt Kitchen,

the core house idea, and central laundries.

She was instrumental in the creation of

houing estates for disabled ex-servicemen

and gave consideration to the housing

needs of children.

She gained multiple awards and recognition

for her work, including The Lobmeyer Prize,

Joliot-Curie Medal, Architecture Prize

(Vienna), Prechtl Medal, Medal of Honour

(Vienna) and honorary doctorates from

different universities.

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GERMAN WOMEN

Melli BeeseFirst Licensed Women Pilot in Germany

First licensed German aviatress and aircraft

constructor, Melli Beese has applied for

several patents for various airplane types,

e.g. a demountable airplane, a water plane,

and a lightweight plane.

She also began her own flying school to

teach future pilots.

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MUSLIM WOMEN

Arfa Abdul Karim Randhawa Pakistan

Computer prodigy

21st century

At age 9, Ar fa Randhawa was the

youngest Microsoft Certified Professional

(MCP) and the recipient of the President’s

“Pride of Performance” award, the highest

honor the Pakistani government bestows

upon distinguished professionals.

Artwork designed and illustrated by Qurra-Ul-Ain Akhter

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Youngest Microsoft Professional at the age of 92 February 1995 - 14 January 2012

Pakistani

MUSLIM WOMEN

Dr. Sameera Moussa Egypt

“Mother of Atomic Energy”

20th century

With a PhD in atomic radiation, Dr. Moussa’s

goal was to make nuclear technology safe

and affordable to all.

Artwork designed and illustrated by Lama Kattan

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MUSLIM WOMEN

Dr. Ibtesam Saeed Badhrees Saudi Arabia

World renowned research scientist in

experimental particle physics

21st century

Dr. Ibtesam Saeed Badhrees was the first

Saudi female PhD holder to work in the

National Center for Mathematics and

Physics in King Abdulaziz City for Science

and Technology.

Artwork designed and illustrated by

Manar Dahlawi

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MUSLIM WOMEN

Lubna of Cordoba Andalusia

Mathematician

10th century

Lubna of Cordoba was a mastermind of

mathematics, a talented writer and a poet.

Artwork designed and illustrated by

Yasmine El Sawy

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MUSLIM WOMEN

Rufaida Al-Aslamia Saudi Arabia

Nurse

7th century

Healer Rufaida Al-Aslamia practiced

medicine from inside a tent located near

the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.

Artwork designed and illustrated by

Reem Bakker

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MUSLIM WOMEN

Dhayfa Khatun Syria

Queen of Aleppo

12th century

Founder of schools and charities, this ruler

fostered her love of architecture by funding

many projects across Syria.

Artwork designed and illustrated by

Miriam Basowad

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MUSLIM WOMEN

Mariam Al Ijliya Syria

Designer

10th century

The daughter of an apprentice to

an astrolabe workshop, Mariam Al Ijiliya

designed these devices, which are used to

find the Qibla and establish prayer times.

Artwork designed and illustrated by

Lina Jamjoom

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MUSLIM WOMEN

Sabiha Gökcen Turkey

Pilot

20th century

Military bomber pilot, Ms. Gokcen was

appointed Senior Instructor at the THK Turk

Kusu School of Aviation. Sabiha Goken

International Airport in Istanbul is named

after her.

Artwork designed and illustrated by

Dalia Khojah

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MUSLIM WOMEN

Dr. Samia Maimani Saudi Arabia

Doctor

20th century

Dr. Maimani conducted vital research on

the nervous system and was renowned for

her contribution to the medical field.

Artwork designed and illustrated by

Sudayr Algamdi

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MUSLIM WOMEN

Anousheh Ansari Iran

Engineer

21st century

Anousheh Ansari was the first Muslim woman

in space.

Artwork designed and illustrated by

Banan BinMahfouz

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